We truly wrestled with whether to share this report from Sunday's Hollywood farmers' market. On the one hand, we know many of our readers (and writers) live in colder climes than California, and strawberries might not be the most welcome sight if you're having yet another root vegetable meal…

Yet, on the other hand, we hoped this post might inspire our readers who do reside in places where growing and harvesting continues through the winter. If you live near the Hollywood farmers' market, or any winter market, please go and take advantage of it! It's such a blessing that always makes us fully appreciate where we live. And if you're trying to eat light or just want to energize your cooking, a trip to the farmers' market should give you plenty of inspiration.

Here are some of the beautiful fruits and vegetables now in season in Southern and Central California, along with some cooking ideas.

• 1 Strawberries – Sweet winter strawberries were definitely the pick of the day at the Hollywood market. We could hardly get in to snap a photo, the crowds were so big!

• 2Romanesco – Of all the cauliflower and broccoli varieties now in season, this is certainly the most fun.